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The XX Brain: The Groundbreaking Science Empowering Women to Maximize Cognitive Health and Prevent Alzheimer's Disease Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.6 out of 5 stars 1,168 ratings

"In The XX Brain, Lisa meticulously guides us in the ways we can both nourish and protect ourselves, body and mind, to ensure our brains remain resilient throughout our lives." (from the foreword by Maria Shriver)

The first audiobook to address cognitive enhancement and Alzheimer's prevention specifically in women - and to frame brain health as an essential component of women's health.

In this revolutionary audiobook, Dr. Lisa Mosconi, director of the Women's Brain Initiative at Weill Cornell Medical College, provides women with the first plan to address the unique risks of the female brain.

Until now, medical research has focused on "bikini medicine", assuming that women are essentially men with breasts and tubes. Yet women are far more likely than men to suffer from anxiety, depression, migraines, brain injuries, and strokes. They are also twice as likely to end their lives suffering from Alzheimer's disease, even when their longer lifespans are taken into account. But in the past, the female brain has received astonishingly little attention and was rarely studied by medical researchers - resulting in a wealth of misinformation about women's health.

The XX Brain confronts this crisis by revealing how the two powerful X chromosomes that distinguish women from men impact the brain first and foremost and by focusing on a key brain-protective hormone: estrogen.

Taking on all aspects of women's health, including brain fog, memory lapses, depression, stress, insomnia, hormonal imbalances, and the increased risk of dementia, Dr. Mosconi introduces cutting-edge, evidence-based approaches to protecting the female brain, including a specific diet proven to work for women, strategies to reduce stress, and useful tips for restorative sleep. She also examines the controversy about soy and hormonal replacement therapy, takes on the perils of environmental toxins, and examines the role of our microbiome. Perhaps best of all, she makes clear that it is never too late to take care of yourself.

The XX Brain is a rallying cry for women to have full access to information regarding what is going on in their brains and bodies as well as a road map for the path to optimal, lifelong brain health.

This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF that contains resources, a diet plan, and recipes.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

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Product details

Listening Length 10 hours
Author Lisa Mosconi PhD, Maria Shriver
Narrator Brittany Pressley
Audible.com Release Date March 10, 2020
Publisher Penguin Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0815C24JF
Best Sellers Rank #12,341 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#21 in Alzheimer's
#56 in Aging & Longevity
#81 in Physical Illness & Disease

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,168 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book highly informative, with one review noting how it connects lifestyle choices to brain health. They describe it as well-written and interesting.

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33 customers mention "Information quality"33 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly informative, particularly about women's brain health, and appreciate its thorough research. One customer notes how it connects lifestyle choices with brain health, while another highlights its actionable strategies for maintaining cognitive well-being.

"...It’s a must-read for every woman who wants to optimize her brain health and understand the science behind the changes we experience as we grow older...." Read more

"...relating to Alzheimer's including how a woman may reclaim her health, diet, hormonal therapy, dispelling myths concerning brains, questionnaires for..." Read more

"There was much information and excellent suggestions as to beneficial lifestyle changes that will improve our health...." Read more

"This book was well written and had a lot of good information. The evidence is strong that low dose HRT can help the brain...." Read more

20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and interesting to read, with one customer noting that the chapters are thorough.

"...Overall, I’d give *The XX Brain* 5 stars. It’s a must-read for every woman who wants to optimize her brain health and understand the science behind..." Read more

"...It is a book full of information, an interesting read and the author has spent her life researching women and their health issues...I was amazed to..." Read more

"Great book and well written." Read more

"This book was well written and had a lot of good information. The evidence is strong that low dose HRT can help the brain...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
    I just finished reading *The XX Brain*, and wow—what a revelation for women who want to understand how their brains work! This book isn’t just another self-help title; it’s a deep dive into the neuroscience of the female brain, explaining in clear, accessible language how our unique biology influences everything from decision-making to memory and hormone balance.

    One of the standout aspects of *The XX Brain* is its emphasis on hormone health. The author brilliantly breaks down how fluctuations in estrogen and other hormones can shape our brain function, mood, and overall cognitive health. For anyone curious about the science behind how our bodies and minds interact—especially as we age—this book offers an indispensable guide.

    I particularly appreciated how the book connects the dots between lifestyle choices and brain health. It covers everything from nutrition and exercise to sleep and stress management, showing that small, informed changes can lead to big improvements in how we feel and think. Whether you're a neuroscience buff or someone just looking to live a healthier, more vibrant life, the insights in this book are both empowering and actionable.

    Overall, I’d give *The XX Brain* 5 stars. It’s a must-read for every woman who wants to optimize her brain health and understand the science behind the changes we experience as we grow older. The blend of rigorous research and practical advice makes this book not only fascinating but also incredibly relevant for today’s woman.

    If you're ready to dive into the intricacies of your own brain and learn how to harness its full potential, this book is a game changer!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2020
    The statistics provided at the beginning of this book concerning women and Alzheimer's Disease are indeed staggering. And, if one thinks they are high now...wait until the year 2050. The book covers topics relating to Alzheimer's including how a woman may reclaim her health, diet, hormonal therapy, dispelling myths concerning brains, questionnaires for heart disease, depression, stress, and more.

    One thing that Dr. Mosconi mentions early in her book is that this disease begins 20 to 30 years before symptoms appear. All the more reason that the younger generation of women should read this now and take action to improve their mental health. (I am in my 70's now and, of course, I wish this book was available years ago..But, she does state that it is never too late to start the steps listed...results will be obtained).

    It is a book full of information, an interesting read and the author has spent her life researching women and their health issues...I was amazed to read that clinical trials were given to men and not women...just a few years ago. The male medical profession is learning (albeit it slowly) about women. The disparity is not only financially but also includes intellectual, legal and medical areas. This outstanding book will provide the reader with some important tools to assist them.

    Lots of interesting recipes at the end, as well. I will admit that I normally do not purchase organic products. My problem has always been that the prices are high and am unsure of the organic testing that is done on them.

    And, on a personal note which really does not belong here, I am one of thousands in the US that provided care for my Mom. She had Lewy Body Dementia and had no idea who I was for 14 months or so. We both went on a journey together and it was indeed a painful one for me. She always worried about Alzheimer's and what would happen. I always told her 'you'll be fine, Mom, as you won't know..." She passed away in 2003 and I think of her often... Not all bad in retrospect as we made cookies, looked at old photographs, listened to her favorite music and spent a lot of time together... (I stopped working in my mid-50's to care for her and never returned to the work force).. And, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

    If there is one book that I would recommend for the younger women in my life this would be the one. The last part lists all of the author's sources.

    Most highly recommended.
    310 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2023
    There was much information and excellent suggestions as to beneficial lifestyle changes that will improve our health. However, although there was much discussion of studies, citations of those studies seemed to be missing.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2025
    Great book and well written.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2024
    This book was well written and had a lot of good information. The evidence is strong that low dose HRT can help the brain. The only question I have is- how come women in the Blue Zone countries are not getting dementia etc and are not taking HRT? So, maybe it's just women who don't eat or live the Blue Zones way need HRT. Just a theory.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2023
    As a man reading this I took away that the author genuinely cares about the diet of information that is either unknown or twisted by big pharma and from just general ignorance about women’s health. Having been marginalized in research, most research is based on the male physiology, the author gives great evidence and sound wisdom combined to deliver on actionable goals for women’s health. I read this on the Kindle App and appreciated it for its availibity.
    22 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2025
    Part of my review is because of reader error,I clicked buy because it was lumped in with perimenopause books I was looking at purchasing. I will keep to read since it does seem informative but it wasn’t what I was really looking for. That is my fault. However it is clearly used. And while that’s not wholly a negative,it’s not what I paid for.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2024
    Un libro que he recomendado mucho por la calidad de la investigación y por lo que aporta a las mujeres. Muy bueno.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Stan Dylmaz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Author, Excellent book.
    Reviewed in Canada on July 17, 2021
    This book and the author's "Brain Food" book have become our new "Go To" Standards. Excellent brilliant author whose work is well referenced and researched.
  • Leninha
    4.0 out of 5 stars Leitura muito boa
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 12, 2020
    Interessante a abordagem da autora. Muito instrutivo
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  • Ginny
    5.0 out of 5 stars importante para las mujeres de mayor edad
    Reviewed in Mexico on October 30, 2021
    Las mujeres mayores de 50 años tienen mucho más riesgo de padecer enfermedades cerebrales de lo que creemos. Comprenda por qué, identifique sus riesgos específicos y descubra formas de reducir sus riesgos con este libro. Se lo recomiendo a todas las mujeres de este grupo de edad como una forma de empoderarnos para vivir nuestras mejores vidas durante muchos años.
  • Maria
    1.0 out of 5 stars Don't waist your time or money on this, not worth it at all.
    Reviewed in Spain on August 13, 2024
    Couldn't finish it, badly written and poor information, not worth it at all.
  • Erzana
    5.0 out of 5 stars A most read book
    Reviewed in Germany on December 14, 2020
    Very satisfied
    Customer image
    Erzana
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A most read book

    Reviewed in Germany on December 14, 2020
    Very satisfied
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